Colin the King wrote:I think we need to find the balance between our role as 'the home side' and defending properly. Regardless of where the game is played, we're coming up against the best team in the country- arguably one of the best in the world- who have quality everywhere and will punish any lapses in concentration and counter attack effectively.
I think Lescott will do well against Drogba because he's a very strong, well built defender so is a good match for him. He's good in the air too. Anelka is my biggest concern, he has devastating pace and really knows how to exploit defenders without it, as we know only too well. We need complete focus from everyone, and intelligence positionally- no unnecessary mazy runs from Touré, no bombing forward without coming back from Bridge (which in fairness he improved upon massively last night). If we're disciplined tactically and every player holds their own we have every chance.
The midfield is the crucial area and what might be our undoing. Essien is so strong, powerful and quick that he can be unplayable. Lampard finds space like no other and can create opportunities all day long if he's in form. Cole is a wonderful player to watch and very difficult to mark. Then there's Ballack, Malouda, Deco, Mikel. They have an endless list of talent to choose from in midfield. I think we should concentrate on trying to score through a) set plays and b) counter-attacks, they're the most realistic options. If we try to match them in the pass and move stakes I fear that with their superior quality, they'll murder us. So I'd go with Barry and either de Jong or Kompany. Barry has a big part to play where corners are concerned, he has far and away the best delivery in our squad. So two defensive minded midfielders and Ireland sitting in front of them, making late runs into the box and pressing their defenders.
Regardless of the fact that there's a bit of history and he scored last season, I'd be inclined to leave Robinho out for this game. He's very good at unlocking the door but does so in a patient, considered way and I don't think we can afford the time to orchestrate attacks- we need to move the ball quickly and frighten them with pace and strength. Bellamy can offer that, as can SWP so I'd opt for them in the wide areas. Despite his brilliant performance last night, I'd opt for Tevez on the bench- he and Ireland are quite similar in their approach and maybe disrupt each other. Also, as we saw at Anfield, he's very good at coming on and influencing things from the bench. He did this countless times for the filth as well. His constant harrying would be a real thorn in the side of Chelsea's tired defenders with half an hour to go, and I think in this game that's the best way to utilise him.
So, a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system with emphasis on pressing, closing down spaces and creating opportunities on the counter. Adebayor up front to play the ball off if necessary with support from Ireland, Bellamy and SWP. We'd have the luxury then of Robinho, Tevez, Santa Cruz and Weiss from the bench to mix things up.
Mate, I hope this does not come across wrong but from what you are advocating is that we play it safe, leave the creative and pressing players out and basically stop them from scoring. I have no problem with this and think you are right in your current assessment however in a recent thread (possibly the Hughes one) when I asked if it was realistic for us to be wanting 3 points, your stance was that only 3 points would appease you as our home points were vital to keep up the race. Now, this isn't a slight on you or your post but to say we can play it safe, hoping to get them on the break or set pieces, seems to put your previous statement through the shredder as we all know just how good Chelsea are.
Like I say, I think you are right in your assessment and the reality remains, Chelsea are by far the best team in the league and to expect anything from this game, even a goal, would be a huge victory for the team. Let's just hope that the win against Arsenal has given us the belief that we can not only compete with the 'Top 4', but give them a damn good run for their money!
